Tongue-depressor



(No Model.)

B. C. MORRILL TONGUE DEPRBSSOR.

No. 252.127. Patented Jan. 10,1882.

I UNITED STAT-Es PATENT OFFICE.

EDWlN C. MORRILL, OF NOBWALK, OHIO.

TONGUE-DEPRESSOR.

SPECIFICATION forming 'part of Letters Patent No. 252,127, dated January 10,1882.

Application filed June 23, 1881.

T 0 all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, EDWIN O. MORRILL, of Norwalk, in the county of Huron and State of Ohio, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Tongue- Depressors and I do hereby declare the following to be-a full, clear, and exact description of the invention, suchas will enable others skilled in the art to which it pertains to make and use it, reference being bad to the accompanying drawings, which form part of thisspecification.

My invention relatesto an improvement in ton gue-depressors, the object being to adapt an instrument of this character to be protected, when used, from contact with the month.

With this end in view my invention consists in certain details of construction and combinations of parts, as will hereinafter be described, and pointed out in the claims.

In the accompanying drawings, Figure 1 is a view in perspective of a device constructed in accordancewith my invention,the depressing-arm and cover-holder being enveloped in paper. Fig. 2is a similar View, showing the cover-holder out of engagement 'with the depressor. Fig. 3 is a view of the device in closed adjustment, and Figs. 4. and 5 represent a modified form of the device in different adjustments.

A represents the handle and Bthe depressor of the instrument, the said handle and depressor being joined by a rule-joint,which limits their pivotal movement upon each'other, the widest separation occurring when the instrument is in adjustment for use, as shown in Fig.1 of the drawings.

It is obvious that many methods of joining the parts A and B may be resorted to, according to the dictates of fancy or necessity; but the device shown admirably fulfills every requirement. 'It is formed by furnishing the inner end of handle A with two knuckles, O,between which are received a single knuckle, D, formed on the inner end of the depressor B. Flanges E E, formed respectively on the parts A and B, limit their opening flexure.

F is a coverholder, conforming in shape to the exterior outline of the depressor B. Its inner end passes through the knuckles U and D of the handle and depressor A and B, and thus serves the twofold function of pivoting (No model.)

the two latter pieces together, and insures to itself an independent pivotal movement. A metallic strap, G, joining opposite edges of the wire-holder, prevents the depressor from passing through it.

In using the device, paper, cloth, or an equivalent fabric is wrapped around thecover-holder F and secured in position by forcing the depressor B within it. By these means all of that portion of the instrument which enters the mouth is perfectly protected from contact therewith, and no obstruction is offered to the view of the operator. After one application the protecting-envelope (designated in Fig. 1 by A) is removed, and the unsoiled instrument is in condition to receive a fresh envelope and to be used on another subject.

By avoiding the objection of want of cleanliness often urged against surgical instruments used on many subjects, my invention presents an important advantage. It also does away with the possibility of the transmission of germs of disease from one patient to another.

The paper may be securely applied to the instrument in a variety of ways, which it is not necessary to show. A simple and effective method of application is illustrated in Fig. 1 of the drawings.

Figs. 4 and 5 of the drawings show a device modified in form, but embodying the same principles of construction as the device shown in the first three figures.

In the modification, H represents the bandle, I the tongue-depressor proper, and'J the cover holder. The two last-named devices are adapted to be used independently or together, as may be found desirable.

Instead of the rule-joint adopted in the device first shown, the inner end of the handle His curved and provided with knuckles made integral therewith or attached thereto. The depressor I is provided with knuckles L, which combine with those of the handle to form a hinge-joint, the pivot of which consists in the rear end of the cover-holder J. By this arrangement the depressor I is interposed between the handle and cover-holder H and J and the opening flexure of the cover-holder is limited by'its engagement with the edge Mof the curved inner end of the handle. Each of the parts also has independent movement of the others. The cover-holder J is provided with an inner iron frame, N, attached to the metal strap 0, connecting the opposite sides of the holder. In many instances of the instruments use the said holder J may be advantageously used independently of the'tongue-dc pressorI. The device is used in the same manner as described for the device shown in the first figures. It is attended with the same advantages and needs no exposition.

It is apparent that many changes and modifications may be resorted to in carrying out my invention, and this without transcending its scope, as I desire to cover broadly the use of removable coverings or envelopes with tonguedepressors.

My device may also be adapted hyslight changes to be used with nearly all of the different classes of speculums. Therefore I would have it understood that I do not limit myself to the exact constructions shown and described, but hold myself at liberty to make such changes and alterations as fall within the spirit of my invention.

Having fully described my invention, what I claim as new, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is-- 1. A tongue-de 'n'essor provided with a holder for a removable protecting-envelope, substantially as set forth.

2. The combination, with a tongue-depressor, of an envelope-retaining device pivoted thereto, substantially as set forth.

In testimony that I claim the foregoing I have hereunto set my hand this 4th day of 5 June, 1881.

EDWIN (J. MORRILL. Wi tncsses: U. L. KENNAN, H. L. KENNAN. 

